Backyard burn approvals to cease from 30 September
Southern Highlands residents are reminded that backyard burning approvals will cease from midnight 30 September 2015 in line with the peak bushfire danger period.
A Fire Permit from the Rural Fire Service is required once the Bush Fire Danger period officially begins on 1 October 2015.
In the major towns of Bowral, Mittagong and Moss Vale, burning dead or dry vegetation as a result of normal property maintenance is currently permitted on properties greater than 4,000 square metres until the end of the September. Backyard burning is not permitted in the three towns on properties less than 4000 square metres or in medium density zones.
Residents outside of the three main towns can currently burn dead or dry vegetation from normal property maintenance until the end of September.
Anyone wishing to burn in accordance with these approvals must ensure they notify neighbours, minimise smoke, attend to the fire at all times and have a water source available to extinguish the fire.
In the event of a Total Fire Ban or No Burn Day being declared, all approvals are suspended.
On-the-spot fines of $500 for individuals and $1000 for corporations apply for breaches of the ban.
“With spring now upon us and the warmer weather on the way, it’s a timely reminder that even small burns can quickly get out of control and have devastating consequences,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Duncan Gair.
“It’s therefore imperative that we all adhere to the NSW Rural Fire Service regulations to safeguard our Shire from the threat of bushfire.”
For more information visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/services/environment/backyard-burning or to report an illegal burn phone 4868 0888.
For further information on fire bans, permits and general fire safety visit www.rfs.nsw.gov.au